Inking ribbon means for checkwriter



Y H. JAGGER INKING RIBBON MEANS FOR CHECKWRITER Filed June 27, 1955March 11, 195s 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENIOR. Haefrfggngef BY j MWmf/f/,

March 1l, 1958 H. JAGGER 2,826,140

INKING RiBBoN MEANSI FOR CHECKWRITER Filed June ,27e 1955 7 sheetssheet2 l INVENToR. ffwcfi'rfggef BY wumy W @gigi/s.

March 11, '195s H. JAGGER l INKING RIBBON MEANS FOR CHECKWRITER FiledJune 27. 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. ffaeffr/Qgef March 11, 1958Filed June 27, 1955 H. JAGGER INKING RIBBON MEANS FOR CHECKWRITER 7Sheets-Sheet 4 M -BY Y .y

IN V EN TOR.

H. JAGGER March 11, y1958 y INKING RIBBON MEANS FOR CHECKWRITER FiledJune 27, 1955 7 sheets-sheet -5 JNVENTOR. Habe/72' We?" Z Z Z March l1,T958 H. JAGGER INKING RIBBON MEANS FOR CHECKWRITER 7 Sheets-Shet 6 FiledJune 2'?, 1955 March 11, 1958 H. JAGGER 2,826,140

INKING RIBBON MEANS FOR CHECKWRITER Filed June 27,. 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet7 l 1 l 1 928 720 (/29 1|! /2/8 /29 j /26 IN V EN TOR.

United Si atent Oiice INKING RIBBON MEANS FOR CHECKWRITER yHubertJagger, Maywood, Ill., assignor to Theodore B. Hirschberg, Jr.,/Chicago,Ill.

Application June 27, 1955, Serial No. 518,161

9 Claims; (Cl. lOl-496) "This invention relates 'to' machinesV forprinting or writing checks and like instruments,'comrnonly termed check-Writers, and'has 'to 'clo 'with inking ribbon means for such machines.

Checkwriters employing independently adjustable printing segments andcooperating platen means for effecting the printing operation are wellknown and extensively used. In suchimachines the operation of inking theprinting segments is usually effected by means of an inking roller movedyacross the printing surfaces ofthe charac'- ters .of the segments. Itis known to provide'rather complicated means for moving the inkingroller across the printing surfaces Ojflthe segments and returning it toits normal inoperative position during the printing operation. Also theinkng roller'requ'ires re-inking thereof and unless the re-i'nki'ng isdone properly the characters to be used inthe printing operation maynotbe uniformlyinkedand unsatisfactory results in the printing of thecheck may-be incurred.

My invention is kdirected to inking ribbon means whereby inr theprinting operation the check or other paper yto be` printed issubjected, at the printing area thereof, to pressure in .contact with aninking ribbon so that uniform` inkin'g of therprinted characters isassured) A furtheranvantage; of using anA inking ribbon is that a twocolored' ribbonjzmaylbe used whereby two adjacentportions, of the checkmay be printed in ldifferent colors. My inventiony is directed to inking.ribbon means of simple construction. and operation and'in which a newarea of the. ribbon isA presented to theprinting characters at eachprinting. operation. In the inking ribbon means of my invention `theinking ribbon` is mounted on two spools and passes. therebetween beneathandadjacent the printing. segmentsofthe machine so asl to be moved intopressure contact with.Y

the printingcharacters by the check or other paper being. printed,during the printing operation. Preferably the two spools for the ribbonare located in front of and in'backof' the printing line of the machineand meansvis provided'y for turning=one of the spools incident to theprinting. oper-r ation so ask to wind the ribbon thereon. The` meansforturning one of the spools is reversible so that the, spools areturned in alternate relation for winding the ribbon fromsone'spoolontothe other spool and then windingthe ribbon from the' first spoolthus-reversing the travelof the ribbonafter it'has beenunwoundffromeither'spool. The'.

spool operating.l means is automatically reversed when; the

ribbon .hasbeen wound'` oi. of one' spool `onto the other spool, suchkreversal Vbeingcontrolled by 4thetensionof the. ribbon,l which` providesvsimple automatic meansffor re- Figure --1 is a vertical` sectional viewtakeny from` front` toback andadjacent the right hand side of acheckwriter' providedV with.-ir'xlting.` ribbongmeansembodying invention;

Figure 2 isa right handside View, on a vreduced scale, of thecheckwriter of Figure 1, With the enclosing casing omitted;

Figure 3 is 'a vertical sectional view from frontto back o'f theymachine of Figure 2, taken adjacent the inner face of the left sideframe plate, the right'hand side frame :plate being shown fragmentarilyand the means 'for operating the ribbon spools beingshown'as adjustedfor imparting intermittent rotation tothe rearward spool.;

Figure 4 is aview similar toFigure .3 vbut omitting the fragmentaryportion of the right hand frame plate and also omitting the ribbon, withthe printing platen arms partly'broken away and the toggle links alsopartly broken away;

Figure 5 is an elevational Vview of the left side of ithe machineofFigure `l with the casing omitted and the base i ofthe machine andotherparts partly broken away;

Figure l6 is a horizontal fragmentary sectional view, on anl enlargedscale, `takenv through the upper portion of the left hand frame Aplateand 'sh-owing the spool operating pawlslandthe mounting-'plate therefor;

Figure t"7 is a fragmentary inner face View of the' left hand iframeplate showing the parts v'shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 visaninner' face` View ofjthe shifting and locking leverfor'the platel carrying thelsp'ool operating pawls vand 'associatedparts;

`Figure 9 `'is Vajplan viewj-Of `the lever of Figure '8;

Figure i110 is a sectional view taken substantiallyonline `10---1'0 ofFigure '5, the spool andi associated parts being shown in plan view;

Figurel 111 isl a sectional view, ori anenlar'ged scale,-

2 taken substantially on line 11-11of `Figure' lfcerta'in partis beingyshown in elevation;

Figure l2 is a sectional view taken substantially online 12--12 ofFigure '11, the latch spring being shown in elevation;

Figure l-3r is a perspective detail view; on tan' 'enlarged scale, oftheinliing ribbon and the Vleader attached thereto,` parts being brokenaway; and

Figure 14 is-aperspective view' ofthe removable front guide *forthreading the AinliingA ribbonthrough' the ina'- chine.

. mond, andthe checlcwriter disclosedfin' PatentNofLlil 8",-v

871, .issued Mayl, 1938, to Ernest'H. Thompson, and a brief descriptionof the general construction"and operaV- tionof thema'chine; will suiee;

The main frame" of`V the machine comprises sidefpl'ates l 1. and 2 of-lirregularl polygonal shape, each of-thes'e plates" securedl together inspaced relation by spacing'rods'V 5` i which extends transversely of themai' being..providedI with a forwardly'y extending baseelement 3 which`defines, with the` body portion'4 ofthe plate,A aj rearwardly extendingslot 4lfo`r the ins'ertionof'the check orxlike paper into themachine.The plates 1 a'ndZ arev suitably secured therethrough.

Azshaft 6 issuita'bly mounted Vinothepl'ates 1* and'y 2" and.extendsfthrough a sleeve-7 at the' upper-end of -a cents barS'securedAll atfits lowen end`l toa tilde-bar 12 ame" andinas its endf.portions suitably secured?. inthe plate'sl aii'd- 2.

In practicefthere'. are twol other barsa sum barandf a dollars barhavingy sleeves at their.` npperends' re' ceiving;v vtheshaft 6- andsecured at'ftheir 'lower ends totheguide bar 12. The printinglineofthemachineaislthe line defined by the bar 8 and the other twobars'faligned therewith transversely of the machine,.andfthe'segmentswhich carry the printing' charactersare individually ad jnsted-to align:such characters on'this printing line"l Thefr batzSf bears upon'itslowen or printingtfa'ce theabbreviatioiiV cts" for cents and thedollars bar (not shown) bears upon its lower or printing face theabbreviation dols for dollars. The sum bar (Figures 3 and 5) is disposedadjacent the inner face ofthe right hand side plate 1 and is of T-crosssection at its lower end for reception of a pref-ix plate of channelcross section slidable thereon. The plate 10 may bear a suitable legendupon the printing face thereof, such as The sum. Suitable means, withwhich we are not here concerned, is provided for actuating the prefixplate 10.

A plurality of type segments (Figure l) are mounted on shaft 6 forturning movement thereon, these segments being suitably spaced apartupon shaft 6. An p 4type bar 16 is provided, upon its printing face,with a series of characters ranging from O to 9 and arranged in seriatimorder, there being a spacing character or inoperative positions.

ing line of the machine, the characters which are used for printing in agiven printing operation being those which are disposed in alignmentimmediately ,in front of the forward edge of the guide bar. That isadvantageous as assuring that the type characters used in the printingoperation are effectively held against any ob- .l

thereto and suitably shaped andk disposed to project .j

through a slot in van index plate 21 suitably secured over an openingprovided in a housing or casing 22 mounted on the machine in a suitablemanner. A number strip 23 is suitably secured to finger 20 at theunderface of index plate 21. The finger 20 is provided at its outer endwith a finger grip 24 fitting thereon with a tight friction fit so as tobe removable if required. The strip 23 is disposed concentrically withthe shaft 6 and is marked correspondingly to the arrangement of thecharacters upon the type bar 16. The index plate is provided, adjacenteach slot thereof, with a series of characters corresponding to thecharacters of the type bar 16, but arranged oppositely thereto, and isfurther provided, adjacent each slot, with an opening for observation ofthe s'trip 23 which is disposed to move beneath` such opening; as in theabove identified patents. The strips 23 are so disposed that the numberor character visible through the opening corresponds to the character ofthe associated type bar 16 which is disposed upon the printing line ofthe machine. Also, the grip member 24 is so disposed as to be alignedwith that character of the series of characters adjacent that slot ofthe index platev which corresponds to the character of the type barwhich is in position upon the printing line, as in the above mentionedpatents. That provides simple and efficient means. for accuratelydetermining theset of the respective printing or type segments. v

The printing Ysegments 15, being loose upon the shaft 6., areindependently adjustable on a common axis for. selectivelygaliguing theprinting characters of the typei inthe hub portion of the segment. Anindex bar 28. (Figure 1)' is .suitablysecuredlat-its ends in the plates"1 and 2, this bar being disposed in rear of and above the shaft 6. Bar28 is suitably bored from its lower and forward edge for reception ofdetent balls 29, one of which is shown in Figure l, which are springpressed for engagement with the rack 27. The bar 28 is slotted forreception of the racks 27 of the respective segments 15 and the balldetent 29 engages between adjacent teeth of the rack and providestherewith means for yieldingly holding the respective segments 15 inadjustment.

Upon completion of a printing operation all of the segments 15 should bereturned to normal position. For that purpose I provide a clearing yoke32 of inverted U-shape, the arms of which are mounted for turningmovement upon the shaft 6. The yoke 32 is yieldingly urged incounterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 1, by means to bedescribed presently, and has secured to its bight portion an anglefinger 33 which contacts a cross rod 86, to be later referred to, so asto limitrearward swinging movement of yoke 32 and normally hold it inits position shown in Figure 1. By swinging the yoke 32 forwardly anddownwardly, after a printing operation, all of the segments 15 arereturned to normal Movement of segments 15 in a counterclockwisedirection, as viewed in Figure 1, is limited by contact of the fingers20 with yoke 32.

A short sleeve or bushing 34 (Figure 2) is mounted for turning movementon a stud (not shown) secured to and projecting outward from the righthand side frame 2 a short distance above the lower edge thereof. Bushing34 is confined between side plate 2 and the head of a screw 35, as shownin Figure 2, threading into the stud secured to plate 2. At its innerend the bushing 34 has secured thereto a crank arm 36 pivoted at itsouter end, at 37, to the forward end of a toggle operating link 38disposed at the inner face of arm 36 and confined between the latter andplate 2. The outer end of bushing 34 is slabbed off from opposite sides,to provide ats thereon and receives the lower end portion of anoperating lever (not shown) fitting tightly on the outer end of thebushing, which is provided with a reduced cylindrical extension or neck39 which is exteriorly threaded for reception of a nut for securing theoperating lever in position. Normally, the,

crank arm 36 is in its :full line position shown in Figure 2, being heldin such position by a tension spring 40 anchored to side plate 2 at itsforward end and anchored at its rearward end to the rearward end of adownwardly offset rearward extension 41 of link 38. A clearing yokeoperating lever 42 is pivoted at its midlength at 43 on the outer faceof side plate 2 above the bushing 34. At its upper forward end the lever42 is connected by a pin 43a passing through an 'arcuate slot 44 inplate 2 to the radially outer or forward end of an arm 45 (Figure l)fixed to the adjacent arm 46 of yoke 32. A tension spring 47 is anchoredat its lower end to pin 43a and is anchored at its upper end to a post48 fixed to side plate 42. Spring 47 normally holds lever 42 in itsposition shown in Figure 2 and is effective for normally holding theclearing yoke 32 in its full line position shown in Figure 1 and forreturning it to that position after a clearing operation.

Link 38 is pivoted, at its juncture with extension 41 thereof, on pintle51 of a toggle link structure 52 shown in Figure 1. The toggle linkstructure includes two upper links 53 fixed at their upper ends on across shaft 54 rotatably mounted in the side plates 1 and 2. The lowerends of links 53 are pivoted, by pintle 51, to the upper ends of twolower links 55 pivoted at their lower ends on a rod 56- Iconnecting therearward ends of two platen supporting arms 57, one of which is shown inFigure l, rockably mounted on a cross shaft 58 mounted in the sideplates 1 and 2,'the platen supporting arms 57 being mounted adjacent theinner faces of the 'side plates. A platen support-l ing bar 59 issecured in the forward ends of the arms 57 and carries a platen 60adjustably mounted thereon in a known manner. The upper face of theplaten 60 is serrated and cooperates with the printing charactersdisposed upon the printing line of the machine, which characters maar@are'=also serrated. Atomicnspring'A` lis'mountedfonshaft Tttwitb-one armhooked aboutpint-le SlfauclA theot-herfarm (Ilot shown): hooked;l abouta4 cross. shaft `62vro'ckably mountedinthe s i'de'platesfl andZva'djacent therrear-4 thereof. Theftorsi'on `spring-61 VassistsinQbrea-kingthe toggle and normally `holdingfit vin itsinoperativeposition. shown 'inFigure 1. Imetectingtheprintingoperlation, thebushing 39 is turned'in counterclockwisedirection, .as viewed in Figure '2, thus forcing the vlinkV 38 rearwardin'oppos'i tion `to the tension spring 40; As lpreviously noted, thepintle 51' extends through thelink 38, plate 2 being provided with anopening63 of adequatesize to accommodate fhe-movementsof pintle 51. Whenthelink 38 is tf'orced rearwardr the toggle isstraightened'orextended'fandf the platen 60 is movedupwardrinto'cooperating relation with the characters on the printinglineofthe machine. Upon completion of the printing operationftheroperatinglever .(not shown) is released and'returned` to itsnormalrear-Y ward..position, tension yspring -40 thenretrning the link38 to itsnormal forward position vand the partsi Aassunm theirnormalpositions shown in. Figuresl and"2 Referring further to Figure 2, a link65 ispivoted 4at its forwardy end, at 66, to link 38fat about themid-length thereof. The upper end of linkl 65-,haspin and slot-conf`nection67a--67 tothe lower end'ofthe lower arm 68 of a t bell crank69-mounted for turning movement ontherel: duced end of cross shaft 54. Atensionspring 70 isffan' choredat its lower end `to link 65 Aand atitsupper end to a pin 71 secured to the upper arm 72 of bell crank 69,;Ten-` sion spring 70 normally holds pin 67 at-the rearward lend of theslot 67a of link 65providing, in conjunction with pin-6 7 the pin andslot connection above-mentioned; A trip ,pawl 73 is pivoted,4 at 74,lon--the forward end of, armV 72 of the bell cran-k'69. The rearwardarm- 75-ofg pawl 73,.normally is held in` contact with a stopcollar'v764 retained by a snap ring 77 on a stud 78 fixed to` arm;72. A;wirespring 79 is wound about the hub ofpawl 73 withone arm bearing onstop collar 76 and its other -arm engaging the lower edgeof arm 75 ofpawl 73 for normally holdingarm 75 in contact withl the Astop collar'76.The-pin 7,13 extends through an arcuate slot 80in a downward extern sionof .an arm 81 pivoted on the reduced` endof cross shaft 54 atf-the outerface of the bell crank 69, bell crank;A 69. and arm 81 being confinedbetween side `plate 2 and the head of a screw 82 threadedvinto the endof shaft 54.

A tension spring 83 is anchored at its lower end to` arm 81y at the-lower portion thereof, above the screw 82, and is anchored at its upperend to a pin4 84 carried by a crank arm 85 fixed on .one end of rod; 86which is rock-ably mounted in the side platesfl and 2. Rod 86 isrestrained` against endwise movement by stop collars 87secured thereonadjacent the inner-rfaces ofI side platesl 1 and 2; and has, a-k knob8,8 (Figure secured on its other end. Normally the rod 86 is turnedapproximately 90 from its-position shown in .Figure 2, with pin841contacting`the ldownwardly extending finger 89 ofI arm 81. Whentheshaft .or rod 86 is, turned from, its normalvpositiontoits. positionofFigure 2pin84 contacts linger 90 extending: forwardly from, the, upperportion of arm 8.1 and` raises the .latter to its position shown inFigure 2.

When the arm 81 is in its normal lowered position the arm 81 occupies aposition substantially `lower than that shown in Figure 2. When the link38 is moved rearward in a printing operation inthe mannerabovedescribed, the bell crank 69 is turned in counterclockwisedirecti'om as viewed in Figure 2, to such wan extent lthat Athe *for-vward arm 75a of pawl 73' contacts roller 93 retained 'by snap ring 94 ona stud 95 at the lower rearward end .of the clearing yoke lever 42. Asthe printing operation is completed, pawl 73 snaps over the roller 93with arm 75ay disposed therebeneath. In the return movementvof link 38the bell crank 69 is turned in clockwise directionV vmannerpreviouslywdescribed; Thereafter arm of pawl :73 ypasses-beyond roller93` and thepartsare returned to normal positions.` When the arm 81` isin its=raised positionshowninFigure 2, Vcontact offpinf 71 with arm81 at`the lower end `ofl slot 'limits-downwardlinovementof the upper arm 72of bell crank 69-suiciently to prevent passageofarm orfnger 75aof`pawl'73beneath fthe'roller 93. Accordingly a clearing operation' willnot be performed incident to` a` printing operation and `any desirednumber of checks forv the same amount may 'bey printed without necessityfor; resetting `the. printing segments. The arm 81 Jandassociated" partsthus provide simple and efficient repeat meansl whereby any desirednumber Iof checks for the same-.amountmay 'be printed without'reset`ting the machine.

The machiney is providedfwith adjustablecheck stops (not shown) `for'limiting the*` extent ofinsertionf of`the check Vinto the machine, as.is known. Ialso provide-a printing lineindicator 98of suitable knowntypepivoted on multipleY armed brackets 99 suitably secured;convenientlybyrivetingno the forward portions offtheside frame plates 1and 2. Door 1001ismounted at the front of casing 22 bymeans of hookelements101.v engaging in circumfer-l ential" groovesin a front crossshaft'lOZ extending between -the forward arms` of brackets 99, and alatch 103 engageable with the edge ofthe main portionrof casing 22andattached to an operating knob 104.-

A front spool 107is disposed at the frontof the-machine infunder-lyingrelation to the door 100. The spool107has a. tubular spindle 108 whichissecured on a cross shaft109 rotatably mounted in the brackets 99. Thespindle 108 is..slabbed.oif to provide a flat 110and has secured thereintwo headedstuds, one of which -is shown vatz11-1, theheads of whichvarelspaced from flat- 11'0i-in overlying relation thereto. A .ratchetwheel `112is'securedto thelhead of spool 107 adjacent the left handside. plate 2, for a purpose which will appear more fully laten Suitablemeans such as a spring washer (not` shown) vmaya-be providedv for,impressing a slight drag on -spool 107-` sutiicient to preventoverrunning thereof when the ribbon Visbeing unwound from the spool, aswill appearV more fully presently. p

A rearspool 114 is mounted: between the side-plates `1` and 2` in backof and above theprinting segment' shaft 6, as shown more clearly inFiguresv 1 and 3'. Spool 1141 comprises a tubular spindle 115 the/endportions of which extend into substantially U-shaped" guides1-1'6"(Figur`es 4 andv l0) secured to the inner faces ofthelsideplates 1and 2; The lspindle 115'is slabbedoif atone side to provide a at 117having a lengthwise groove 1h18 opening at one end into acylindricalrecessf'119arid*at-itsfotherend into-a bore 120 extendingradially inwardftoithebore of spindle 115. A latch leafspr-ing 121.r issecured' at= one end to spindle 115, in thelrecess'119', 'andisprovidedfat its other endv withy a `U'shapedla'tch=element 1222*(Figlures 11 and12)V extending through borel 120; Latch. element 122 `engages into arecess123 in a shaft 124i inserted through spindle117wand"rotatably'mountedin the side plates 1 and 2; A knob 125 isysecuredfupon-one end of shaft 124, adjacent the left handv side plate 2,for manually turning the spool 114 :when desiredto take up slack in theribbon. A leaf spring 126is secured to the side plate 1 and bearsagainst thefadjac'ent liead'127 ofspool 1f14 with appreciable pressureeffective forprevent-l ing overrunning of the rspool whennnwidingitheri'bbonv therefrom. It will beseen Ythat the 'lea'tl spring'`121 andff lassociated elements provide means for kdeta'chablysecuringtheV spool 114 to shaft124' for rotation therewith and' that shaft 124may readilyv be withdrawn to permit removal of the spool when required,and* as'v readily reofthe other head 130."

Y Inking ribbon 133 is windableonto and off of the spools 107 and 114. Ametal binder 134 is folded over and clamped upon each end of the ribbon133, as shown in Figure 13, the binder and the adjacent portion of theribbon being provided with bayonet slots 135. A leader 136 of waxedpaper or other suitable material is attached to one end of the ribbon133 with the corresponding binder 134. The leader is used in threadingthe ribbon 133 through the machine from one spool to the other, as willbe understood. In practice, the ribbon is wound upon the rear spool 114which underlies an opening in the casing 122 normally closed by a cover137 having at its lower edge members 138 engaging the adjacent edgeportion of casing 22 and at its upper edge latch 139 attached to a knob140 and engageable with the adjacent edge portion of casing 22. Theribbon 133 is attached to spindle 115 of spool 114 by means of thebinder 134 and bayonet slots 135 at the other end thereof from leader136, in cooperation with the headed studs 12S, as will be understood.Thereafter the ribbon is wound upon spool 114 and this spool is thenplaced in the machine and the ribbon is led from spool 114 to the frontspool 107, to which the leading end of the ribbon is attached by meansof the bayonet slots and leader 134 at that end of the ribbon incooperation with the headed studs 111. Preferably the ribbon 133 isdivided into two transverse areas containing different colors of ink,such as red and green, as indicated in Figure 13, the red areacorresponding in width to the cents area of the check and the green areaof the ribbon corresponding in width to the dollars area of the check.The ribbon 133 is led downward from spool 114 in back of and beneathrollers 141 mounted for free turning movement on cross rods 142extending between and mounted in side frame plates 1 and 2; as shown inFigure l. The lower guide 143, conveniently formed of sheet metal, issupported by ears 144 at the sides thereof from the lower cross rod 142.Guide 143 is provided with an upwardly and rearwardly extending neck 145the upper end of which rests upon the convolutions of the torsion spring61 on shaft 54. The guide 143 directs the leader 136 of ribbon 133downward and forward beneath the guide bar 12 for threading the ribbonthrough the machine, as will be understood. To further assist inthreading the ribbon through the machine, I provide a removable guidemember 146 shaped as shown in Figure l4. In use the guide member 1.46 isdisposed as indicated in broken lines in Figure 1 and serves to directthe leader 136 upward over spindle 108 of spool 107 and beneath a rearcross rod 147 extending between the brackets 99. The leading edge of theribbon is attached to the spool 107 in the manner previously described,after which the leader 136 may be torn off and discarded. It will beseen that the ribbon 133 passes beneath .the guide bar 12 and thencebeneath the cross bar 147 in proximity to the type characters on theprinting line of the machine. The guide 146 when not in use mayconveniently be stored by insertion of the relatively narrow handle146:1 thereof in a loop or strap 148 secured to the inner face of thecasing 22 adjacent the lower edge of the opening in the top there ofnormally closed by the cover 137, as indicated in broken lines in Figure1.

A plate 150, shown more clearly in Figures 6 and 7, of generallyrectangular shape with upwardly extending end fingers 151 and 152 isrockably and slidably mounted, at the inner face of the side frame plate2, on a shouldered screw 153 received in a lengthwise slot 154 in plate150. The screw 153 is coaxial with and secured to a shoulder screw 155at the outer face of the side frame plate 2, as will be clear fromFigures and 6. A front feed pawl 156 is pivoted at its lower end, at157, on the lower forward corner of plate 150 and is disposed to engageratchet Wheel 112 of the front spool 107, when the plate 150 is in itsforward position, and to clear ratchet wheel 112 when plate V150 is inits rearward position shown in Figure 7. Pawl 156 is urged in clockwisedirection by a tension 8 springV 158 anchored at its lower end to pawl156 and at its upper end to finger 151 of plate 150. A back pawl 159 ispivoted at 160 on finger 152 of plate 150 and is urged in clockwisedirection by a tension spring 161 attached to pawl 159 and toA plate 150at the lower rearward portion thereof. In Figure 4 the plate 150 isshown in its inoperative position with the pawls 156 and 159 disposed toclear the ratchet wheels 112 and 129, respectively. When the plate 150is in its forward operative position the pawl 156 engages ratchet wheel112 for turning the front spool counter-clockwise, as viewed in Figure4, pawl 159 being then disposed to clear ratchet wheel 129 of the rearspool 114, and when plate 150 is in its operative rearward position pawl159 engages ratchet wheel 129 for turning spool 114 counterclockwise andpawl 156 is disposed to clear ratchet wheel 112; as will be explainedmore fully later.

Plate 150 is provided in its upper portion and adjacent finger 151 withtwo V-shaped notches 164 and 165 contiguous to each other. The notches164 and 165 receive a V-shaped locking finger 166 extending from theforward end of the lever 167 (Figure 5 and Figures 8 `and 9) pivoted atits midlength on the screw 155, finger 166 extending through an opening168 in the side frame plate 2. At its other or rearward end lever 167 isprovided with an inwardly extending stud or pin 169 which projectsthrough a slot 170 at the forward end of an angle lever 171 (Figures 3,4 and 5) pivoted at about its midlength, at the outer face of the sideframe plate 2, on a headed stud 172. An angle latch lever 173 is pivotedon stud 172 at the inner face of the side frame plate 2 and is retainedon the stud by a snap ring 174. The angle lever 173 is part of themechanism for controlling the operation of the prefix bar 10, previouslyreferred to, and need not `be further considered here. The angle lever171 is provided in its rearward portion with a cam slot 175 whichreceives a roller 176 mounted on the end of the pintle 51 of the togglecomprising the links 53 and 55. A latch arm 178 (Figures 3 and 4) ispivoted on the screw 153, at the inner face of plate 152 and normallyengages over the lock finger 166 of lever 167 for holding it engaged inone of the notches 164 and 165. A tension spring 177 is` anchored at itsupper end to arm 178 and is anchored at its lower end to plate 150adjacent the lower edge thereof. The tension spring 177 normallyconnects arm 178 and plate 150 together for movement as a unit upon thepivot screw 153.

A holding pawl 180, of generally rectangular shape, is pivoted on theinner face of side plate 2, on a shouldered pivot screw 181. The holdingpawl is adapted for engagement with ratchet wheel 129 of the rear ribbonspool 114 during rotation of the latter in counterclockwise direction bythe feed pawl 159, as will be explained more fully presently. A tensionspring 182 anchored to frame side plate 2 and to pawl 180 urges thelatter in counterclockwise direction for engagement with the ratchetwheel 129. A front holding pawl 183, pivoted at 184 on bracket 99attached to side plate 2, is disposed for engagement with ratchet wheel112 of the front spool 107 when the latter is rotated by the feed pawl156, for preventing reverse rotation of spool 107. Pawl 183 is providedwith an elongated arcuate arm 185 to which is attached the lower end ofa tension spring 186 anchored at its upper end to the side plate 2.Spring 186 urges pawl 183 in counterclockwise direction for engagementwith the ratchet wheel 112,

as will be understood.

When the plate 150 is in its rearward operative position shown in Figure3, the feed pawl 159 and the holding pawl are in operative engagementwith ratchet wheel 129 of the rear spool 114, lock finger 166 is engagedin the forward notch 164 of plate 150 restraining it against forwardmovement, the front feed pawl 156 is spaced rearward away from ratchetwheel 112 of the front spool 107 and the front holding pawll 183 is heldclear of ratchet wheel 112 by engagementz r therewith of a release pin189 carried by finger 151- Ufff-plate e150. the parts in the :positions.zshowrrin Figure 35i/when' the pintle 51 is'movedtrearward incident.mentpwith ratchet wheel .129 uponlcompletion of th'e.printing-operation. In the :return corfforward nrovet@ of ther.Dinde-5.1 thegleyerl 167, and with it the -pl 1,50, :isf turned incounterclockwise.:directionureens gaglftg 'hewpewl .15.9 'withtherrratehetwheeln129fifor turning. .the spool. 114 `a vfurther:distan-coincident Ato a` subsequent fprinting operation.v In thatmanner, the rear.spool114 sgrotated step lay-step'V inconnterclockwisedirec-:tion,fas4 viewed in. Figure 3,1for windingthereon therihbon lf3-ffrom .the `frontspool 107, the-.latterbeingifreef. to; `rotate,k subjectl to :tarv 'slighty drag :effectivefor;@preventingoverrilnning thereof during unwindin'g therefrom tof-:theribbon; When: .the 'ribbon :has: been completelyffunwound: f romi thefront spool .107, any fur.- ther attempt to wind ribbon 1133 1ontotherear .spool .111,4plaCeSf1he-.ribbon .under tension aand.4 it `thenbecomes eective.forgpreventingi:further lrotation offspool .1.14.bywthe.feed .pawl .159.V Accordingly;when the :pintle5,;1fis-againmoved. rearward the. feedpawl f1-S):fulcrums on the .ratchetwheeli129.A and then. constitutes with the .plate 150m toggle tending.to .force plate .150 Vvforward over the-piyot..-screw 153.v Forwardmovementofiplate 15 ().is resisted by engagement vof the -lock nger166'in the,..f onward;notchu164'withtheresult that turning of 1e:ver167` .insclockwise' .direction as viewed gin. Figure 13', rai-sesgfinger 1,66V yont -oftheY notch :164. When that occurs, ,plate 15.0.`Inox/esito l:itsyforward operative :position., and.is:.n1oved...inyclockwise direction about pivot screw i153rby-tensiomspringf 177,so as tocause finger "166wto engage `infthe .innernotch- 165 thuscompleting theiforw-ardmovement of plate lf'andlocking it againstrearward.l movement.l The .feed ipawl 156, is then in engagement with;ratchet wheel :11,2vof thefrontwspo'ol 107, and-theirontzholdingprevi/1.183.` is then released, duef .to the-.upward movementy of pin5189' with plate,.150, and-.engages ratchetfwheelllZ so astofpreventreverse rotation thereof. Thereafter v.in Vtheoperation of the machinethe frontspool 107 `is rotated vin counterclockwise...direction`.step-by-step for; windingfrthereon. the

ribbon 133 from the back spool-114, .which is nowreleasedand.freefor'rotation. Inthat connection, .the forward `.movement of `.plate 150 to,its forward operative position .moves,.fee`dpawl `.159v clear-ofirratchet wheel 129kand, in .addition,..pin 19.0.on .nger 152I ofplate 15,0 contacts .the downwardly extending arm l19.1 of`- holdingpawl"18`0 land .swings thel latter to .releasing posi-- tion'.clearorf-"the .ratchet wheel .129. When .theribbon 133 hasbeencompletely wound oi of the rear. spool114 onto thefrontspool 107,thelatter spoolisuheld against rotation and the plate 150 -.is .returnedto its position shownk inFigure. 3, by. the toggle action .of feed pawl156 and 4plate A,150 fin cooperation with entry of .the lock finger'166'into notch 164 of p1ate..150. InMthatmannen the feed of ltheribbon133 isautomatically reversedl whenit has f been completelywound off ofone spool onto the .other..spool, such reversal ofiifeed .being controlle'dy by the ribbon. itself.

Inorder-topermit ready, removal .and replacement:- ofthefribbon 133, .I.provide `means whereby `both of the spools .1117 .and 114 may`berelease'd Afor free` rotation atlthe same time. :A .bell crankreleaselever 194.`(Fig ures;` 3.; and :4.) ispivoted :at the-inner face`of thexside,` frameplate 2, on Aa shouldered screw 195.l One arm;

of levers194is provided with a Vtrip pin .19.6 disposed- 1G releaselever 194 'is ftuined from its Tfull' line position-5to its broken lineposition. The 'other `arm of lever '-1594 is provided with an extension197 disposed to `contact api'nfs19` carried bylholdiugfpawl 13G-and tothereby move the latter tofits.vr position `shown in Figure :41er hold.it in that' position if it has previously 'been moved thereto. Aspin3199l-sfecure`djitofthe lowerzarm of 'release lever.1194,.Lprojects.tthrough.A an opening 266' in side'plateBZLandfthrough'ia slot 29Min the upper end fof a,lever202ftpivoted attZtB on plate 32 vat `the outer face thereof andshaped?.asrshownv in Figure 5. Lever 262 is lprovidedffatziits rearward.end-*with -a substantially venticalfslot.zmovhichareceives1 asheadedIpin. 265 secured to acranknarm .121116 'seeuredon 'one end of cross fshaft 612;-` atf'thez' outer facefzo'f iside plate .2, An. operatinghandle 2.@"71y Figures 121 iandf) is :secured on the other endiof :cross:shaftnzi zati the .outer face :of 'side platev f1. :'ihe shoulderederinton-:stop` 2418i `risy 4:secured .up'ona cross shaft: 62betweenilthe :links .1255; offithe itogg'le. V"In 1 ordertorelease.'bot'mofrztherrspools, .thecpintl'e .51' ismovedrearwards`-aszwin1a: :normal: printing: y"operation, until. :thecrossrrodfd reaches'ithe:positionrindicated.at A inv Figure; 3 which Yis usomewhat. .aboveithe position, indicated at iB ,zwhichitaoccupies.fat thefend lof; the printing `,operation. The handle 207 is thenturnedffrom itstfullline position V1in; Figure F3.ftoJitsifbrokenxflineposition, thus swinging thezlstop' yarma-inward abovefcross rod 56 soasrtoA hold ituinfitsa.:A;position` indicated in Figure 3. Turningroflshaft. 62finclo'ckwise. direction, :as viewed in .'Figurej,:swingssslever 202 iin clockwise direction, and turns-y theybelLcrankrelease levercounterclockwise from,tits!ipositionrfshownidn Figures `3.:and 4'1inff1ill linesg. to itsA :broken line: :position.vindicatedi ini. Figure J4.' Thattassures'fthat :the:.=.holding 'patat/.ls` .183 andv.118,0 are retained',I positions :clear of the4 ratchet''.wheel's.-.1112 and .i129 of: thespoolssltw and. .114, respectively,'fsto.permitufreler'rota'tion thereof. -lnithefmoverrrenttof thecro-sswrodfr-S` :frorn'iits normal/raised tpositionftoitstion,asf1viewedin Fignres .3 .and"4;itoai posi-tion approxi'- mately:that showncin lFiguref 4, in'which `thefeed 4pawl's- 15.6 .and .159k.olea-r. the .alatchet Wheels: 112` and'- 129; respectively:Themtworspools :1071.andr114f are-then free for 'rotationy end :s oftheu lribbon attached to fspooly 107 'lis :.Iexposed; at which time:that .endis detaehed from sp'oolf107` and theI remainin'giportion1ofthe'ribbon :is wound onto'. spool 11:4. .Shaftf12'4 '.is thenwithdrawnf.from'..spool 114 and, the lcoverv137 being removed,ifsp'ool'1'14 witlr the ribbon'A wound thereoniis lifted outlof :thefrnachineaIt may then .readilyfbeireplacedibyia new spool with a .ribbon wounduthereo-n, the ribbonbeing-'threaded through the lmachine;andi-attachedto the`front=spool1'107, in the rnanner` previously described.'Thereafterthe' handle 207 fis turned to its normal position shownin toits `norrrial position shown"inffulldines in Figures. 3" and '4.Thereafterfthe machinezmay'be operated in the manner .'above describedand theribbon advancedstepv by-step across `the charactersonthe,printinglineof the machine,.the .directionof tra-veLofL the ribbonbeing'. automatically .reversed undericontrol of the ribbon-itself,`when .the 1 ribbon .has y.beenJ-.wou-nd .for `approxirnatelyFitsi` fullextent .off of. one .spool-.onto .theother spool.

It will berunderstoodthat changes indetail may. be made without.departing. from .the teld and scope .of my4 invention, andylintendto.include :all su'ch variations. as fall wthinzth'e`scopeof,fthe:appended claims, in? this In :order .tofreplace l the;"ribbon, fitisV wound oflof spool-.107; onto lsp'o'ol F1124 untill'the'- Turning.

11 application in which the preferred form only of my invention has beendisclosed.

I claim:

l 1. In a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, a front inking ribbon spool in front of said printing line, arear inking ribbon spool in rear of said printing line, an inking ribbonwindable onto and oif of said spools and passing between said type andplaten, a plate slidably and rockably mounted between said spools havinga forward operative position and a rearward operative position androckable for rotating said spools, means for locking said plate in eachof said positions and for releasing it and moving it to its otheroperative position responsive to winding of said ribbon to predeterminedextent onto either of said spools, said last means comprisingcooperating means on said plate and said spools for turning in ribbonwinding direction the spool corresponding to the position of said plateincident to rocking of the latter, said plate being rockable to a thirdand neutral position rendering said spool turning means ineffective,means for rocking said plate to its said third position, and means forrocking said plate incident to a printing operation.

2. In a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, a front inking ribbon spool in front -of said printing line,a rear inking ribbon spool in rear of said printing line, ratchet wheelsrespectively secured to said spools, an inking ribbon windable onto andoff of said spools and passing between said type and platen, a pawlplate rockably and slidably mounted between said spools having a forwardoperative position and a rearward operative position and rockable forrotating said spools, means for locking said plate in each of saidpositions and for releasing it and moving it to its other positionresponsive to winding of said ribbon to predetermined extent onto eitherof said spools, said last means comprising front and rear feed pawlspivoted on said plate and engageable with the ratchet wheelcorresponding to the position of said plate for turning said spools inribbon winding direction, said plate being rockable to a third andneutral position in which said pawls clear said ratchet wheels, meansfor rocking said plate to its said third position, and means for rockingsaid plate incident to performance of a printing operation.

3. In a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperative platen, operating means for causingrelativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, a front inking ribbon spool in front of said printing line, arear inking ribbon spool in rear of said printing line, ratchet wheelsrespectively secured to said spools, an inking ribbon windable onto andolf of said spools and passing between said type and platen, a pawlplate rockably and slidably mounted between said spools having a forwardoperative position and a rearward operative position, means for lockingsaid plate in each of said positions, front and rear feed pawls pivotedon said plate and engageable with the ratchet wheel corresponding to the`operative position of said plate during rocking thereof for turningsaid spools in ribbon winding direction, said pawls being disposedrelative to said plate to provide therewith toggles effective for urgingsaid plate from either operative position to its other operativeposition when the spool and ratchet wheel corresponding to the operativeposition of said plate are held against turning in ribbon windingdirection, the ends of said ribbon being respectively attached to saidspools whereby said ribbon restrains the spool on which it is beingwound against turning movement when said ribbon has been substantiallycompletely unwound from the other spool, means for rocking said plateincident to a printing operation, and means for releasing said lockingmeans when said plate is rocked while said spools are restrained againstturning, said locking means comprising supplementary means for urgingsaid plate from either of its operative positions toward the otherthereof.

4. In a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, two inking ribbon spools, one 4of said spools beingremovable, an inking ribbon windable onto and oi of said spools passingbetween said type and platen, winding means comprising ratchet wheels onsaid spools for rotating them alternately in ribbon winding directionincident to operation of said operating means, two holding pawlsyieldingly urged toward and cooperatng with said ratchet wheels, saidwinding means comprising means for holding disengaged the pawl for theratchet wheel of the spool from which the ribbon is being unwound whilereleasing for engagement the pawl for the ratchet wheel of the spool onwhich the ribbon is being wound, and means for optionally disabling saidwinding means and holding both of said pawls disengaged at the same timefor free rotation of both of said spools in either direction.

5. In a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, two inking ribbon spools, one of said spools being removable,an inking ribbon windable onto and oi of said spools passing betweensaid type and platen, winding means comprising ratchet wheels on saidspools, a pawl plate between and shiftable toward and away from saidspools into and out of cooperating relation thereto alternately, saidplate being mounted for rocking movement, feed pawls on said platedisposed for engagement with an disengagement from said ratchet wheelsalternately by shifting of said plate into and out of cooperatingrelation theret-o, said plate having a neutral position in which both ofsaid feed pawls are clear of both of said ratchet wheels, holding pawlsyieldingly urged toward said ratchet wheels, said plate and pawls havingcooperating means for holding disengaged the pawl for the ratchet wheelout `of cooperating relation to said plate while releasing the otherholding pawl, means for optionally holding said plate in its saidneutral position, means for optionally moving both of said pawls to andholding them in disengaged position, and means for rocking said plateincident to performance of a printing operation.

6. In a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, a front inking ribbon spool in front of said printing line, arear inlting ribbon spool in rear of said printing line, ratchet wheelsrespectively secured to said spools, an inking ribbon windable onto andoff of said spools and passing between said type and platen, a pawlplate mounted between said spools on a slidable pivot for rockingmovement about the axis thereof and for sliding movement to a forwardoperative position and a rearward Iopera-tive position relative to saidfront and rear spools respectively, means for locking said plate in eachof said positions, front and rear feed pawls pivoted on said plate andengageable with the ratchet wheel corresponding to the yoperativeposition of said plate during rocking thereof for turning said spools inribbon winding direction, said pawls being disposed relative to saidplate to provide therewith toggles effective for urging said plate fromeither operative position to its other operative position when the spooland ratchet wheel corresponding to the operative position of said plateare held against turning in ribbon winding direction, the ends of saidribbon being respectively attached to said spools whereby said ribbonrestrains the spool on which it is being wound against turning movementwhen said ribbon has, been substantially completely unwound from theother.

spool, means for rocking said plate incident to a printing operation,and means for releasing said locking means when said plate is rockedwhile said spools are restrained against turning, said locking meanscomprising supplementary means for urging said plate from either of itsoperative positions toward the other thereof.

7. ln a checltwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, a front inking ribbon spool in front of said printing line, arear inking ribbon spool in rear of said printing line, ratchet wheelsrespectively secured to said spools, an inking ribbon windable onto andoff of said spools and passing between said type and platen, a pawlplate rockably and slidably mounted between said spools having a forwardoperative position and a rearward operative position and rockable forrotating said spools, means for locking said plate in each of saidpositions and for releasing it and moving it to its other positionresponsive to winding of said ribbon to predetermined extent onto eitherof said spools, said last means comprising front and rear feed pawlspivoted on said plate and engageable with the ratchet wheelcorresponding to the position of said plate for turning said spools inribbon winding direction, said plate being rockable to a third andneutral position in which said pawls clear said ratchet wheels, meansfor rocking said plate to its said third position, front and rearholding pawls for said ratchet wheels, means carried by said plateeffective for causing movement of said front and rear holding pawlsrespectively to operative and inoperative position responsive tomovement of said plate to its forward and rearward operative positions,means for rocking said plate incident to a printing operation, and meansfor moving both of said holding pawls together to inoperative position.

8. In a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, a front inking ribbon spool in front of said printing line, arear inking ribbon spool in rear of said printing line, ratchet wheelrespectively secured to said spools, an inking ribbon Windable onto andoff of said spools and passing between said type and platen, a pawlplate rockably and slidably mounted between said spools having a forwardoperative position and a rearward operative position and rockable forrotating said spools, means for locking said plate in each of saidpositions and for releasing it and moving it to its other positionresponsive to winding of said ribbon to predetermined extent onto eitherof said spools, said last means comprising front and rear feed pawlspivoted on said plate and engageable with the ratchet wheelcorresponding to the position of said plate for turning said spools inribbon Winding direction, said plate being rockable to a third andneutral position in which said pawls clear said ratchet wheels, meansfor rocking said plate to its said third position, front and rearholding pawls for said ratchet wheels, means carried by said plateeffective for causing movement of said front and rear holding pawlsrespectively to operative and inoperative position responsive tomovement of said plate to its forward and rearward operative positions,means for rocking said plate incident to a printing operation, and meansfor moving both of said holding pawls together to inoperative positionwhen said plate is in its said third position.

9. ln a checkwriter having adjustable type positionable on a printingline and a cooperating platen, operating means for causing relativemovement between said type and platen for performing a printingoperation, a front inking ribbon spool in front of said printing line, arear inking ribbon spool in rear of said printing line, ratchet wheelsrespectively secured to said spools, an inking ribbon windable onto andolf of said spools and passing between said type and platen, a pawlplate rockably and slidably mounted between said spools having a forwardoperative position and a rearward operative position and rockable forrotating sai-d spools, means for locking said plate in each of saidpositions and for releasing it and moving it to its other positionresponsive to winding of said ribbon to predetermined extent ont-oeither of said spools, said last means comprising front and rear feedpawls pivoted on said plate and engageable with the ratchet Wheelcorresponding to the position of said plate for turning said spools inribbon winding direction, said plate being rockable to a third andneutral position in which said pawls clear said ratchet wheels, meansfor rocking said plate to its said third position, front and rearholding pawls for said ratchet wheels, said holding pawls being mountedon stationary pivots independent of said plate and yieldingly urged intoengagement with said ratchet wheels, abutment means on said platedisposed to move said holding pawls respectively out of engagement withsaid ratchet wheels and to release them for engagement with said ratchetwheels responsive to movement of said plate to its forward and rearwardoperative positions, means for rocking said plate incident to a printingoperation, and means for moving both or" said holding pawls ltogether toinoperative position when said plate is in its said third position.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,084,656 Myers Jan. 20, 1914 1,766,626 Glasgow June 24, 1930 1,937,145Gollwitzer Nov. 28, 1933 2,122,518 Deane et al. July 5, 1938 2,692,555Gruver Oct. 26, 1954

